So you're thinking about getting a leopard gecko? Smart choice. These little guys are like the golden retrievers of the reptile world - hardy, personable, and great for beginners. But let's get real: even the toughest reptiles need proper care. I learned this the hard way when my first gecko, Speckles, developed metabolic bone disease because I skimped on calcium supplements. That vet bill still haunts me.
Leopard Gecko Basics: Before You Bring One Home
Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) come from dry grasslands in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Unlike other lizards, they have eyelids and lack sticky toe pads. What really surprised me? They can live 15-20 years with good care. That's longer than most dogs! So this leopard gecko care guide isn't just about setup - it's about committing to a decades-long friendship.
Cost Breakdown: What Your Wallet Needs to Know
| Item | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost | Essential? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosure (20 gal minimum) | $50 | $200 (front-opening) | Absolutely |
| Under-tank heater | $20 | $40 (with thermostat) | Non-negotiable |
| Thermometers (2) | $10 | $30 (digital) | Critical |
| Hides (minimum 3) | $15 (DIY) | $50 | Must-have |
| Monthly food | $15 | $30 (varied diet) | Essential |
Where to buy ethically:
- Reputable breeders (ask for health records)
- Rescues (surprisingly common - check Petfinder)
- Avoid pet chains if possible - their geckos often come from mills
Red flag alert: If a seller can't tell you the gecko's hatch date or refuses to show feeding records, walk away. I made that mistake once and ended up with a gecko full of parasites.
Habitat Setup: Creating Gecko Paradise
Getting the enclosure right makes all the difference. When I upgraded Speckles to a 20-gallon long tank with proper heating gradients, his activity level doubled overnight. Here's what works:
Tank Specifications
| Gecko Age | Minimum Size | Ideal Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby (0-6 months) | 10 gallons | 15 gallons | Small spaces reduce stress |
| Juvenile (6-12 mo) | 15 gallons | 20 gallons | Upgrade before 8 months |
| Adult (1+ year) | 20 gallons | 30-40 gallons | Bigger = better enrichment |
The Temperature Tightrope
This is where most new owners mess up. Leopard geckos can't regulate their body temperature like mammals. If their belly isn't warm enough, they can't digest food properly. I learned this when Speckles refused meals for a week - turns out my heat mat was failing.
| Zone | Day Temp | Night Temp | How to Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm side | 88-92°F (31-33°C) | 75-80°F (24-27°C) | Digital probe ON substrate |
| Cool side | 75-80°F (24-27°C) | 70-75°F (21-24°C) | Digital thermometer |
| Basking spot | 90-93°F (32-34°C) | N/A | Infrared temp gun |
Skip the heat rocks! They cause terrible burns. An under-tank heater (UTH) with thermostat is safer. Zoo Med and Fluker's make reliable ones that won't break the bank.
Substrate Showdown: What's Safe?
Pet stores will push calcium sand - don't bite. That stuff causes deadly impactions. Here's what actually works:
- Paper towels (my top recommendation for beginners)
- Slate tile (easy to clean, files nails naturally)
- Reptile carpet (washable but claws can snag)
- Bioactive soil (advanced option with live plants)
Seriously, just avoid sand entirely. I've seen too many geckos at the vet with sand-induced blockages.
Feeding Fundamentals: Beyond Just Crickets
A varied diet keeps your gecko healthier. Mine get four staple insects plus occasional treats. Rotation prevents nutritional gaps and picky eaters.
Staple Feeder Insects
| Insect | Protein % | Fat % | Calcium Ratio | Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crickets | 21% | 6% | 1:9 | 3x weekly |
| Dubia roaches | 23% | 7% | 1:2.5 | 2x weekly |
| Mealworms | 20% | 13% | 1:18 | 1x weekly |
| Silkworms | 17% | 10% | 1:2.3 | Treat only |
Supplement Schedule That Works
- Plain calcium WITHOUT D3 - Always available in small dish
- Calcium WITH D3 - Lightly dust insects 2x weekly
- Multivitamin - Dust insects 1x weekly (I use Repashy)
Gut-loading matters! Feed your insects carrots, sweet potato, and greens 24 hours before feeding. Skip iceberg lettuce - it's basically crunchy water.
Juveniles need daily feeding while adults eat every 2-3 days. Don't panic if yours skips meals occasionally - mine once fasted for 3 weeks during winter!
Health Red Flags: Spotting Trouble Early
Leopard geckos hide illness well. Regular checks prevent small issues becoming emergencies. Here's what I look for weekly:
Physical Exam Checklist
- Eyes: Clear, no discharge (sticky eyes mean dehydration)
- Body: Plump tail (fat storage), no visible ribs
- Skin: Smooth shed, no retained skin on toes
- Vent: Clean, no prolapse or stuck feces
- Movement: No limping or tremors
Common Health Issues
| Problem | Symptoms | Immediate Action | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Bone Disease | Rubbery jaw, bent limbs, tremors | Vet ASAP for calcium shots | Proper UVB + supplements |
| Impaction | No pooping, bloating, lethargy | Warm baths + belly massage | Avoid loose substrates |
| Stuck Shed | Dry skin caps on toes/tail | Soak in lukewarm water | Provide humid hide |
| Parasites | Weight loss, mucus in stool | Fecal test at vet | Quarantine new geckos |
Find an exotic vet BEFORE you need one. Regular check-ups ($60-100) are cheaper than emergency visits ($300+). Trust me on this.
Handling Do's and Don'ts
Leopard geckos tolerate handling better than most reptiles, but there's a right way. I've been nipped exactly once - when I grabbed instead of scooping.
- DO approach from the side, not above (predator move)
- DO support entire body - never dangle by tail
- DON'T handle after feeding (wait 24 hours)
- DON'T squeeze - their ribs fracture easily
Start with 5-minute sessions when your gecko seems alert and calm. If they huff or tail-rattle, back off. Building trust takes months but pays off - mine now climb onto my hand voluntarily.
Advanced Care: Breeding Insights
Breeding isn't for casual owners. After helping a friend with an unexpected clutch, I gained huge respect for responsible breeders. Key considerations:
- Females should be at least 18 months old and 50+ grams
- Require separate enclosures with visual barriers
- Eggs need vermiculite incubation at 80-90°F
- Hatchlings require daily feeding and individual housing
Morphs matter genetically - some combinations cause lethal deformities. Always research lineage before pairing.
Leopard Gecko Care Guide FAQ
Can leopard geckos eat fruits or vegetables?
Nope. Their digestive systems can't process plant matter. I tried offering banana once - total rejection.
Why isn't my gecko using its humid hide?
Check the humidity with a hygrometer - should be 70-80%. If too wet, add less water. Location matters too - place it near the warm end.
Are UVB lights necessary?
Controversial topic. While they can survive without it, studies show UVB improves calcium absorption and activity levels. I use Arcadia's 7% ShadeDweller bulb.
How do I clean the enclosure?
Spot clean poop daily with reptile-safe disinfectant (I like F10SC). Full breakdown every 4 weeks - replace substrate, scrub decor with vinegar solution.
Can multiple geckos cohabitate?
Generally no. Females sometimes tolerate each other but males fight brutally. I've seen tail injuries from forced cohabitation - not worth the risk.
Why is my gecko's poop white?
Normal! The white part is urate - their version of urine. Worry only if it's yellow (dehydration) or bloody (vet emergency).
This leopard gecko care guide covers essentials, but nothing replaces hands-on experience. Start simple, observe your gecko daily, and don't hesitate to join forums like Leopard Gecko Talk when unsure. What surprised you most in this care guide? Drop a comment below - I love gecko chat!
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